Vehicle lighting system

ABSTRACT

A method for operating a vehicle comprising at least one light source designed to emit light for illuminating the surroundings of the vehicle is described. The method comprises the following steps: determining whether a road user approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined distance; determining the distance between the road user and the vehicle; and illuminating the surroundings of the vehicle by use of the at least one light source at the side of the vehicle from which the road user approaches the vehicle should the distance between the road user and the vehicle drop below a first threshold distance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle lighting, and moreparticularly relates to a vehicle lighting system and method foroperating a vehicle with a lighting apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blinding lamps from oncoming vehicles, particularly when driving atnight or in darkness, may be very uncomfortable and bothersome fordrivers in the opposite lane or drivers driving in the oppositedirection. This is the case, in particular, on roads outside of towns,where there is no street lighting, and on roads on which there istwo-way traffic, for example overland roads. Therefore, increasinglythere are new technologies for less blinding lamps. In this context, forexample, the direction of the light beam is lowered or light which couldblind other drivers from time to time is blocked. In principle, there isa need for further solutions which reduce or avoid other road usersbeing blinded by lamps and which consequently reduce the risk ofaccidents that arises in this context.

While traveling on footpaths in regions with little or no streetlighting, pedestrians typically have to rely on illuminating thefootpath themselves, for example by use of lamps or torches. In thiscontext, too, there is an interest for energy-saving and cost-effectivesolutions which improve the lighting situation of footpaths. Thisrelates to cycle paths in the same way. At the same time, pedestriansand cyclists are also illuminated for other drivers, as a result ofwhich they are not overlooked as easily.

The document CN 2450005 Y describes lamps for motor vehicles which, inthe case of oncoming traffic, partly change their direction.

It would be desirable to make available an advantageous method foroperating or for operation of a vehicle, an advantageous lightingapparatus and a vehicle, as a result of which arising hazards due tolamps blinding the oncoming traffic are reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method forilluminating a side of a vehicle is provided. The method includes thesteps of determining a road user approaching the vehicle, determining adistance between the road user and the vehicle, and illuminating with atleast one light source a side of the vehicle from which the road userapproaches the vehicle when the distance between the road user and thevehicle drop below a first threshold distance.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting systemfor a vehicle is provided. The lighting system for a vehicle includes adevice for determining a road user approaching the vehicle anddetermining the distance between the road user and the vehicle, and atleast one light source for illuminating a side of the vehicle from whichthe road user approaches when the distance is below a first thresholddistance.

According to yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicleis provided. The vehicle includes a device for determining a road userapproaching the vehicle and determining a distance between the road userand the vehicle, and at least one light source for illuminating a sideof the vehicle when the distance is below a first threshold distance.

Further features, properties and advantages of the present disclosureare described in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodimentsand with reference to the attached figures. All features describedpreviously and all features described below are advantageous, bothindividually and in any combination with one another. The exemplaryembodiments described below merely represent examples which, however, donot restrict the subject matter of the invention.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a two-lane roadway with two vehiclesapproaching one another, in a plan view;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the roadway shown in FIG. 1, whereinone of the vehicles applies a method according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the roadway shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 fromabove, in continuation of the method;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the roadway shown in the precedingfigures from above, at the time at which the method is completed;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a shoulder with an adjoining footpath,two vehicles equipped according to another embodiment and a pedestrianfrom above;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the shoulder with an adjoiningfootpath, two vehicles and a pedestrian from above as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a shoulder with an adjoining footpath,two vehicles equipped and a pedestrian from above;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a lighting apparatus according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment;and

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a variant of the method according toanother embodiment in the form of a flowchart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment of the method is explained in more detail belowon the basis of FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 1-4 show, in each view schematically, aroadway with two lanes 3 and 4, in which oncoming traffic is allowed, ina plan view. A vehicle 1, such as an automobile according to oneembodiment, comprises a longitudinal axis 15 and drives in the directionof travel 5 in the lane 3. A road user 2, a vehicle, such as anautomobile, in the present embodiment, comprises a longitudinal axis 16and drives in the opposite direction of travel 6 in the lane 4.

Vehicles 1 and 2 drive with headlamp illumination, for example in thedark or in poor visibility. The light cones of the lamps of vehicle 1are denoted by reference identifier 7. The light cone of the headlampsof vehicle 2 are denoted by reference identifier 8. Vehicles 1 and 2approach one another in opposite adjacent lanes as shown. Vehicle 1 isequipped with a lighting apparatus according to one embodiment of thedisclosure while vehicle 2 is not equipped with the lighting apparatus.

When the method according to one embodiment is implemented by vehicle 1,a check is initially carried out as to whether an application of themethod is allowed. If this is the case, sensors or suitable detectors,for example, are used to determine whether a road user approachesvehicle 1 within a set distance. This is the case shown in FIG. 1 inwhich vehicle 1 has determined the approach of vehicle 2. When thisoccurs, optionally vehicle 1 may transmit a signal to oncoming vehicle 2with the content to deactivate the headlight and/or reduce the intensityof the headlight.

The distance between vehicle 2 and vehicle 1 or the lighting apparatusaccording to the disclosure is determined within the scope of the methodand, should the distance between vehicle 2 and vehicle 1 or the lightingapparatus according to one embodiment drop below a first thresholddistance, the lateral or sideways surroundings of vehicle 1 in respectof the longitudinal axis is illuminated by use of at least one lightsource on the side of vehicle 1 from which vehicle 2 approaches vehicle1, i.e., on the left-hand side of vehicle 1 in the present example. Thisis shown in FIG. 2.

In the situation shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 2 has deactivated itsheadlight according to the transmitted signal. Optionally, vehicle 1 hasreduced the light intensity of its headlamp. Reducing the lightintensity of the headlamp, at least of the headlamp facing oncomingvehicle 2, such as the left headlamp, can be implemented, for example,as soon as vehicle 2 drops below a second threshold distance fromvehicle 1.

In the situation shown in FIG. 2, the light source initially emits lightlaterally or sideways in the direction of vehicle 2 in order to ideallyilluminate the vehicle surroundings, in particular the roadway,immediately in front of vehicle 2. Here, the center axis 10 of the lightcone 11 of the light source points in the direction 9 and encloses anangle α with the longitudinal axis 5 of vehicle 1. The angle α initiallylies between 45° and 70°. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, it iscontinuously adapted to the position of vehicle 2 in relation to vehicle1. In the situation shown in FIG. 3, vehicle 1 or the light source ofvehicle 1 emits light in direction 9 at an angle of 90° to thelongitudinal axis 5.

As soon as vehicle 2 reaches or drops below a third threshold distancein relation to vehicle 1, vehicle 1 transmits a signal to vehicle 2 withthe content of reactivating the lamps, and terminates the lateral orsideways illumination of the vehicle surroundings. If the intensity ofthe lamps of vehicle 1 were reduced, these are now increased, preferablyback to the initial value.

The above-described method can be applied analogously in the case ofoncoming bicycles or other motor vehicles, such as trucks or motorbikes,for example. In the case of bicycles, the lateral or sidewaysillumination increases the visibility of the bicycle.

A further exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail below on thebasis of FIGS. 5-7. FIGS. 5-7 schematically show, from above, parkinglanes 20 with an adjacent footpath 21. A number of motor vehicles,including automobiles 1 and 12, are parked in series in the parkinglanes 20.

A pedestrian 22 approaches vehicle 1 on the footpath 21. This wasdetected by vehicle 1 and, when a first threshold value is undershot,the footpath 21 is illuminated 11 laterally by the light source. Oncepedestrian 22, as shown in FIG. 6, has passed the light cone 11 andhence vehicle 1, the lateral illumination is deactivated and hence thesideways illumination of the footpath 21 is terminated, as shown in FIG.7. In the shown variant, the vehicles are parked along the roadway. Themethod can be applied analogously using the front or tail lamps, forexample if the vehicle or the vehicles park transversely to the roadway.

In this example, vehicle 12 likewise has a lighting system according tothe disclosure and likewise implements the described method, and sopedestrian 22 likewise finds the footpath 21 illuminated from the sidewhen the pedestrian approaches or reaches vehicle 12. This isrepresented by the light cone 23. In this way, the footpath 21 issuccessively illuminated by the parking vehicles. Consequently,continuous illumination is not required.

In a further embodiment, the illumination can be designed withindividual images, lettering or using colors in a different way. This isadvantageous, particularly for commercial purposes.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a lighting apparatus 40 according to oneembodiment. The lighting apparatus 40 comprises a light source 41, anapparatus 42 for determining whether a road user 2 or 22 approaches thelighting apparatus 40 or vehicle 1 within a set distance, and anapparatus 43 for determining the distance between the road user 2 or 22and the lighting apparatus 40. The lighting apparatus 40 is designed fora vehicle 1 or 12 and it is suitable for implementing the methodaccording to the disclosure, as already described above.

FIG. 9 schematically shows a vehicle 50, for example an automobile,which comprises a lighting apparatus 40 according to one embodiment. Thelongitudinal axis is denoted by reference sign 58; a longitudinaldirection is denoted by an arrow 57 and a lateral direction ortransverse direction is denoted by an arrow 53. In the embodiment shown,the light source 41 is arranged on the roof 51 of vehicle 50. It isarranged to be rotatable about a vertical axis 52. In a firstembodiment, it is arranged to be rotatable through an angle 54 of about360 degrees (360°), in a second embodiment, it is arranged to berotatable through an angle of about 55 of 270 degrees (270°), and, in athird embodiment, it is arranged to be rotatable through an angle ofabout 56 of 180 degrees (180°). In both embodiments, the light source 41can emit light both to the left in the transverse direction 53 and inthe opposite direction to the right in direction 59.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment, in which one or two light sourcesare arranged at a side face 61 of the shown vehicle 60. The lightsources 62 and 63 are each arranged to be rotatable about vertical axes64 and 65 through an angle 66 between about 0 degrees (0°) and 180degrees (180°), for example through an angle 67 of between about 0degrees (0°) and 90 degrees (90°). The light source 62 is designed toemit light in the transverse direction 68. The light source 63 isdesigned to emit light in the transverse direction 69.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a variant of the method according to oneembodiment in the form of a flowchart. The method starts at step 70. Instep 71, a check is carried out as to whether the light conditions makethe use of lamps necessary and whether the application of the method isallowed at the used location. Should the answer be yes, the method iscontinued with step 72. Should the answer be no, the method returns tothe start 70.

In step 72, it is determined whether a road user approaches the vehiclewithin a set distance. Should this not be the case, the method returnsto step 71. If it is determined that a road user approaches the vehiclewithin a set distance, the distance of the vehicle from the road user isdetermined at step 73 and, optionally, a signal is transmitted to theroad user. By way of example, the signal can indicate that the headlampscan be deactivated or the intensity thereof can be reduced.

Subsequently, a check is carried out at step 74 as to whether thedistance of the road user from the vehicle has dropped below a firstthreshold. Should this not be the case, the method returns to step 73.Should this be the case, the lateral or sideways illumination isactivated at step 75 and optionally adapted to the position of the roaduser.

Furthermore, the intensity of the lamp of the vehicle can be reducedand/or the full beam can be deactivated and/or the headlamps can bepartly or completely deactivated if a second threshold value of thedistance between the road user and the vehicle is undershot. The firstand the second threshold value may be identical according to oneembodiment.

Subsequently, a check is carried out at step 76 as to whether the roaduser has dropped below a third threshold value of the distance from thevehicle. Should this not be the case, the method is continued at step75, such that the lateral illumination is maintained and, optionally,still adapted to the position of the road user. If the third thresholdvalue is undershot, the lateral or sideways illumination is terminatedin step 77, such that it is deactivated, and, where necessary, theintensity of the headlamps is returned to the initial value. The thirdthreshold value is advantageously smaller than the first and/or thesecond threshold value. The method ends at step 78.

The method according to one embodiment for operating or for operation ofa vehicle relates to a vehicle comprising at least one light source. Thelight source is designed to emit light for illuminating the surroundingsof the vehicle. In one variant, the vehicle comprises a longitudinalaxis and at least one light source is configured to emit light acrossthe longitudinal axis so as to emit light in a sideways or lateraldirection in relation to the longitudinal axis.

The method comprises the following steps: it is determined whether aroad user approaches the vehicle to within a predetermined distance. Thedistance between the road user and the vehicle is determined and thesurroundings of the vehicle, for example the lateral surroundings of thevehicle in relation to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, isilluminated by use of the at least one light source at the side or inthe direction of the side of the vehicle from which the road userapproaches the vehicle should the distance between the road user and thevehicle drop below a first threshold distance. Expressed differently,the surroundings of the vehicle on the side on which the road user movespast the vehicle or passes the vehicle is illuminated. Preferably, theroadway or the path or the road immediately in front of the road user,for example, in front of oncoming traffic, is illuminated. In oneembodiment, light is emitted across the longitudinal axis by use of theat least one light source should the distance between the road user andthe vehicle drop below a first threshold distance.

The method according to the disclosure is advantageous in that, as aresult of the targeted illumination of the surroundings and, inparticular, the roadway situated in front of the oncoming road user,there is illumination in the situation where the road user may beblinded. As a result of the illumination in the surroundings in front ofthe road user, the latter does not peer into darkness and does not haveto adapt their eyes within a very short time from a very highilluminance as a result of the lamps of the oncoming vehicle to lowlighting after passing the vehicle. Consequently, the roadway of theroad user is illuminated in ideal fashion during the entire time whenthe vehicle and road user pass one another, as a result of which theeffect of blinding is significantly reduced. Consequently, the hazardstypically caused by the blinding oncoming traffic are reduced at thesame time. Furthermore, road users are more visible when using the roadand have a better view both within and outside of the vehicle.Pedestrians and, in particular, cyclists, which are otherwise poorlyvisible, are clearly marked out for other traffic.

In an advantageous embodiment, there is a determination as to whetherthe application of the method is allowed at the location used by thevehicle prior to the implementation of the method steps alreadyspecified above. This is advantageous in that the method is not usedsuperfluously, for example within built-up areas with sufficient streetlighting, and does not lead to an illumination of localities that isbothersome to inhabitants. Should the method be used to illuminatetraffic areas, for example footpaths or cycle paths, an admissibilitycondition may consist of the vehicle standing, in particular parking.

In addition or in the alternative thereto, there is a determination asto whether the ambient light has a luminosity below a threshold valueprior to the implementation of the steps already specified above. Thisshould avoid the method also being applied if there is no sufficientdanger of blinding other road users. By way of example, this may relateto the case where vehicles drive with lamp illumination, even indaylight.

Determining whether the application of the method is allowed at thelocation used by the vehicle can be implemented, for example, by use ofstreet maps and/or maps and/or GPS (global positioning system) or in anyother suitable way.

The used light source which, in particular, is designed to emit lightacross the longitudinal axis for carrying out the method according tothe disclosure can preferably be configured as a lamp. The configurationas a lamp is advantageous in that an illumination of the surroundingsand, in particular, of the roadway in front of the road user that isanalogous to the usual headlamp is obtained, as a result of which theroadway is illuminated for the road user in a manner that is similar tothe conventional illumination by the road user's own headlamp. Inparticular, it is possible here to avoid jumps in the intensity in theillumination of the surroundings in front of the road user, which inturn can distract or be uncomfortable for the latter.

In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a roof and a longitudinal axisand the light source is arranged on the roof of the vehicle. In additionor as an alternative thereto, the vehicle can comprise at least onelateral side face in relation to the longitudinal axis and the lightsource can be arranged at the at least one lateral side face. Arrangingthe light source on the roof is advantageous in that, in the case of anappropriate configuration, only one additional light source is requiredfor carrying out the method according to one embodiment. Although thismay require two light sources under certain circumstances, particularlyif the method according to the disclosure should be applied in relationto both sides of the vehicle, arranging at least one light source on oneor both side faces of the vehicle is advantageous in that this, on theother hand, allows the at least one light source to be arranged as lowas possible, such as level with the remaining lamps, for example.Additionally, laterally arranged light sources can be integrated in anoptically improved manner in the overall appearance of the motor vehiclethan an arrangement of a light source on the roof, for example.

In one embodiment, the light source is configured to be rotatable abouta vertical axis and is rotated about the vertical axis, e.g., through aset angle, when illuminating the surroundings of the vehicle, forexample when illuminating the lateral surroundings of the vehicle inrelation to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. By way of example, thelight source can be configured to be rotatable through about 360 degrees(360°) about the vertical axis. This is particularly advantageous inconjunction with an arrangement of the light source on the roof.However, the light source can also be configured to be rotatable throughan angle between 0 degrees (0°) and 270 degrees (270°). Since anillumination by the light source in the direction of travel of thevehicle is not required, such an angular range is also sufficient forcarrying out the method according to the disclosure, to be precise bothwhen arranging the light source on the roof and when arranging the lightsource on a side face. In principle, the light source can also beconfigured to be rotatable only through an angle between 0 degrees (0°)and 180 degrees (180°), for example also only through an angle between 0degrees (0°) and 90 degrees (90°). Such a merely restricted rotatabilityis more cost-effective and more easily realizable, but neverthelessensures an efficient implementation of the method, particularly whenarranging the light source on a side face.

At least one detector and/or vehicle-to-vehicle communication and/orcommunication between the vehicle and a mobile appliance, for example asmartphone or smartwatch, may be used to determine whether a road userapproaches the vehicle to within a set distance. Particularly the use ofvehicle-to-vehicle communication has a multiplicity of advantages.Firstly, it may be possible to dispense with detectors or only use thesein exceptional circumstances. Furthermore, the method can be operated inanticipatory fashion, by way of example, the lateral or sidewaysillumination may remain activated if a plurality of road users approachthe vehicle in quick succession. Moreover, it is possible to establishwhen other road users approach the vehicle in a timely fashion for asignificantly longer range than can be determined by use of detectors orsensors. If a detector is used, the latter may comprise, for example, atleast one movement sensor and/or at least one radar sensor and/or atleast one ultrasound sensor and/or at least one laser sensor.

In principle, the road user can be a pedestrian, a bicycle or a cyclist,or a motor vehicle, for example a moped, a motorbike, an automobile or atruck. The vehicle can comprise at least one headlamp and/or at leastone lamp with a full beam or a full beam function. Should the road userdrop below a second threshold distance from the vehicle, the lightintensity of the at least one headlamp can be reduced or the headlampcan be deactivated and/or the full beam can be deactivated.

In principle, the first threshold distance, at which the illumination ofthe surroundings, e.g., the lateral or sideways surroundings, of thevehicle is introduced, and the second threshold distance, at whichintensity of the headlamp is reduced or the latter is deactivated or thefull beam is deactivated, can be identical. However, it is also possiblefor different threshold distances to be set. In particular, the firstthreshold distance, at which the surroundings, e.g., the lateral orsideways surroundings, of the vehicle are illuminated, may be greaterthan the second threshold distance, at which the light intensity isreduced or the full beam is deactivated or the headlamp is deactivated.Thus, the surroundings, e.g., the lateral or sideways surroundings, ofthe vehicle would initially be illuminated and the typically blindinglight would subsequently be removed. An inverted sequence, i.e., settinga higher second threshold distance than the first threshold distance, islikewise conceivable and would lead to the blinding light initiallybeing eliminated and subsequently the surroundings, e.g., the lateral orsideways surroundings, of the vehicle being illuminated.

The illumination of the surroundings, such as the lateral or sidewayssurroundings, of the vehicle can be reduced or terminated should theroad user drop below a third threshold distance, for example a minimumdistance or minimal distance, from the vehicle or be situated next tothe vehicle. As an alternative or in addition thereto, the lightintensity of the at least one headlamp can be increased again or theheadlamp can be activated again and/or the full beam can be activatedagain should road user the drop below the third threshold distance fromthe vehicle or be situated next to the vehicle.

In an advantageous embodiment, the direction of the lateral or sidewaysillumination is adapted to the current position of the road user and/orto the movement direction of the road user. This can be realized byvirtue of the direction of the lateral or sideways illumination beingadapted by rotating the light source, for example about a vertical axis.This is advantageous in that the light cone of the light source can beminimized and an ideal illumination is achieved by continuous rotatingof the light source.

Advantageously, a signal can be transmitted to the road user when theillumination, e.g., the lateral or sideways illumination, illuminates anarea in front of the road user. Here, the signal can comprise thecommunication that the full beam can be deactivated and/or the lightintensity of at least one headlamp can be reduced and/or at least oneheadlamp can be deactivated. This vehicle-to-vehicle communication isadvantageous in that, provided both the vehicle and the road user areable to illuminate their surroundings, for example their lateral orsideways surroundings, both profit from the dazzle protection accordingto the disclosure. Moreover, at least as a result of the signaltransmission, an advantage for the driver of the vehicle, too, consistsof the probability increasing of the road user manually or automaticallyadopting appropriate measures for dazzle protection.

In an advantageous configuration, the illumination of the surroundings,such as the lateral or sideways surroundings, of the vehicle can beconfigured individually, for example using a logo, lettering, an image,an individual color design or by other lighting techniques. This lendsitself, in particular, if a halting or parking vehicle illuminates anadjoining footpath or cycle path when another road user passes.

The lighting apparatus according to one embodiment for a vehiclecomprises at least one light source designed to emit light forilluminating the surroundings of the vehicle, such as transversely tothe longitudinal axis of the vehicle to emit in a sideways or lateraldirection in relation to the longitudinal axis. The lighting apparatusmoreover comprises an apparatus for determining whether a road userapproaches the lighting apparatus or the vehicle to within a setdistance and an apparatus for determining the distance between the roaduser and the lighting apparatus or the vehicle. The lighting apparatusis designed to implement a method according to the disclosure, asalready described above.

The vehicle according to one embodiment comprises the lightingapparatus. The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, for example anautomobile, a truck, a motorbike, a moped or an electrically driven bike(e-bike) or a bike or a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. In principle,the lighting apparatus and the vehicle have the same properties andadvantages as the method according to the disclosure already describedabove.

The present disclosure has one or more of the following advantages: roadusers are more visible when in traffic and have a better view, bothwithin and outside of a vehicle. As a result of the improvedillumination, stress and tiredness of the driver and of other road usersare reduced, particularly in poor vision, particularly when drivingduring twilight or in the night. Cycle paths and footpaths can also beilluminated temporarily in an ideal fashion, even where no streetlighting is present or in the case of insufficient street lighting. Thisincreases convenience and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover,ideal illumination of the vehicle surroundings when entering or leavingthe vehicle is possible. Moreover, an advantage arising is thatindividual illumination for private or commercial purposes isfacilitated.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for illuminating a side of a vehicle,comprising: determining a road user approaching the vehicle, wherein theroad user comprises an oncoming vehicle; determining a distance betweenthe road user and the vehicle; and illuminating with at least one lightsource, that is configured to be rotatable about a vertical axis througha set angle, ground in front of the oncoming vehicle to provide lightingin front of the oncoming vehicle for the oncoming vehicle when thedistance between the oncoming vehicle and vehicle drops below a firstthreshold distance.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thereis a determination as to whether at least one of the application of themethod is allowed at the location used by the vehicle and whether theambient light has a luminosity below a threshold value prior to theimplementation of the step of illuminating.
 3. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the light source is configured as a lamp.
 4. The methodas claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one of aroof, longitudinal axis, and the light source is arranged on the roof ofthe vehicle, and at least one lateral side face in relation to thelongitudinal axis and the light source is arranged at the at least onelateral side face.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein thelight source is rotated about the vertical axis through a set angle whenilluminating the side of the vehicle.
 6. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein determining a road user approaching the vehicle to within aset distance is carried out by use of at least one of a detector,vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and communication between the vehicleand a mobile appliance.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein theroad user further comprises a pedestrian, a bicycle or a motor vehicle.8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises atleast one of a headlamp and a lamp with a full beam, and wherein a lightintensity of the at least one headlamp and lamp with a full beam is atleast one of reduced and deactivated when the distance between the roaduser and the vehicle drops below a second threshold distance.
 9. Themethod as claimed in claim 8, wherein illumination of surroundings ofthe vehicle is reduced or terminated when the distance between the roaduser and the vehicle drops below a third threshold distance or besituated next to the vehicle.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein a direction of the illumination is adapted to at least one of acurrent position of the road user and a movement direction of the roaduser.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the direction ofthe illumination is adapted by rotating the light source.
 12. The methodas claimed in claim 1, wherein a signal is transmitted to the road userwhen the illumination illuminates an area in front of the road user. 13.The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the signal comprises acommunication that at least one of a full beam can be deactivated, thelight intensity of at least one headlamp can be reduced, and at leastone headlamp can be deactivated.
 14. A lighting system for a vehicle,comprising: a device for determining a road user, wherein the road usercomprises an oncoming vehicle, approaching the vehicle and determiningthe distance between the road user and the vehicle; and at least onelight source that is configured to be rotatable about a vertical axisthrough a set angle for illuminating ground in front of the oncomingvehicle to provide lighting in front of the oncoming vehicle for theoncoming vehicle when the oncoming vehicle approaches the vehicle withina distance below a first threshold distance.
 15. The lighting system asclaimed in claim 14, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one of aheadlamp and at least one lamp with a full beam, wherein at least one ofthe light intensity of the at least one headlamp is reduced, and atleast one of the headlamp and the at least one lamp with a full beam isdeactivated when the distance between the road user and the vehicle dropbelow a second threshold distance.
 16. The lighting system as claimed inclaim 15, wherein the illumination of the side of the vehicle is reducedor terminated should the distance between the road user and the vehicledrop below a third threshold distance from the vehicle or be situatednext to the vehicle.
 17. The lighting system as claimed in claim 14,wherein a direction of the illumination is adapted to at least one of acurrent position of the road user and to a movement direction of theroad user.
 18. The lighting system as claimed in claim 17, wherein thedirection of the illumination is adapted by rotating the light source.19. The lighting system as claimed in claim 14, wherein there is adetermination as to whether at least one of the illumination of thelight source is allowed at a location used by the vehicle and whetherthe ambient light has a luminosity below a threshold value.
 20. Avehicle comprising: a device for determining a road user approaching thevehicle and determining a distance between the road user and thevehicle, wherein the road user comprises an oncoming vehicle; and atleast one light source that is configured to be rotatable about avertical axis through a set angle for illuminating ground in front ofthe oncoming vehicle to supplement lighting for the oncoming vehiclewhen the distance between the oncoming vehicle and the vehicle is belowa first threshold distance.